Venezuelan Wood-QuailOdontophorus columbianus

The Venezuelan Wood-Quail appears, on the basis of its plumage pattern, to be closely related to the Tacarcuna Wood-Quail (Odontophorus dialeucos) and the Gorgeted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus strophium); unsurprisingly, it is a strict endemic to Venezuela. Therein, the Venezuelan Wood-Quail appears to be exclusively confined to the northern cordilleras, around the country’s capital Caracas, although there is a sight record from the extreme west of the country, close to the border with Colombia. The species is found in subtropical highland forest at elevations of 800 to 2400 m, and has been recorded in coveys of up to 12, but almost nothing has been reported in the literature concerning this wood-quail’s natural history. The only nest to have been found was placed at the base of a tree and contained six eggs. Extensive habitat loss, especially in the north coastal ranges, and presumably also hunting, have led to the Venezuelan Wood-Quail being ranked as Near Threatened.

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